About Santa Cruz Maker Studios
At Santa Cruz Maker Studios, creativity isn’t just encouraged—it’s the foundation of everything we do. Whether you’re a child exploring the art of crafting, a teen diving into 3D printing and game design, or an adult honing your woodworking and fabrication skills, our studio provides the tools, guidance, and inspiration to bring your ideas to life.
Our ~4,000 sq. ft. warehouse, located on the intersection of Swift St. and Delaware Ave. on the Westside of Santa Cruz, is a whimsical creative playground, featuring:
- A kid-friendly woodshop for hands-on carpentry projects.
- A sewing and beading room for crafting stuffed animals, jewelry, knitting, and more.
- A fantasy-themed gaming and design space, perfect for storytelling, miniatures, and 3D modeling.
- A pirate ship and play area, where creativity meets adventure.
- A flexible multipurpose room, available for community events and workshops.
Beyond our after-school/homeschool programs and summer camps, our space is available to rent for birthdays, private events, and community workshops. Our multipurpose room is open to local teachers and artisans looking to host adult classes in floral design, knitting, ceramics, and more, creating a hub for creativity at every age.
At Santa Cruz Maker Studios, we believe in the power of making—whether that means a child building their first project, a teen experimenting with new technology, or an adult exploring a lifelong passion.
📌 Come create with us!
About Us
Kyra Shugar
Founder & Youth Director
Kyra Shugar is the visionary behind Santa Cruz Makers Youth Program. As a local mother, she is personally committed to the mission of offering young creators the tools, guidance, and encouragement to turn their imagination into reality. Kyra has been knitting, sewing, and beading for over 25 years, and she knows first-hand how crafting can empower children with creativity, confidence, and problem-solving skills that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Kyra is a graduate of UC Santa Cruz and before launching Santa Cruz Maker Studios, she served as a Director for a California non-profit, overseeing hundreds of residential care homes for individuals with special needs. Her background in leadership, combined with more than 15 years of experience caring for children, fuels her commitment to creating a safe and inspiring space for young makers
David Shugar
Founder & Creative Director
David Shugar is a UC Santa Cruz lecturer, maker, and systems thinker passionate about blending nature, technology, and design. With an MBA, a degree in Applied Physics from UC Santa Cruz, and a background in biomimicry and 3D printing, he helps students explore how nature’s patterns can inspire innovation. He is the author of The Science of Systems: A Unified View of Nature’s Patterns, which examines the deep connections between science, natural patterns, and sustainability.
Outside the classroom, David runs Shugar Design, an art and carpentry business specializing in laser-cut geometric lights and custom woodwork. His work bridges the worlds of art, mathematics, and engineering, transforming complex patterns into functional design. His love for craftsmanship and hands-on learning aligns perfectly with Santa Cruz Maker Studios’ mission—empowering people of all ages to explore, create, and turn their ideas into reality.